Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore · Florence, Italy

Florence Duomo Tours

Florence Duomo tours take you inside the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore: climb Brunelleschi's dome for the fresco-lined view over the rooftops, stand before Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise, and step onto the hidden terraces. A licensed local guide walks you past the two-hour line, so you spend your time looking up, not queuing.

Hours, prices and access verified by the Florence Duomo Tours team — last checked July 29, 2026.

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1436
Dome completed
463
Steps to the top
From $32
Guided tours, per person
FREE CANCELLATION UP TO 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE
Florence Duomo Tours›Tours & Tickets 2026 Updated: July 29, 2026
Hand-picked

Top-Rated Florence Duomo Tours for 2026

Three standouts across the price range, each including the dome climb. Chosen for their guide quality and traveller ratings, spanning the premium terrace experience, the best-value museum pairing, and the fastest skip-the-line entry.

Florence Duomo dome and terraces tour with rooftop views over the city Most Booked
Dome climbHidden terraces2–4 hours

Florence Duomo: Dome & Hidden Terraces Tour

Head up onto the Duomo's north terraces — corridors closed to general visitors — before climbing inside Brunelleschi's cupola for the Vasari frescoes and the highest view in Florence. A licensed guide sets up the cathedral and dome first, so the 463-step climb means something when you make it. The 72-hour pass then lets you take in the bell tower, Baptistery, crypt and Opera del Duomo Museum in your own time. Best for travellers who want the rooftop angle most tours skip; meets near Piazza della Repubblica.

  • Guided cathedral visit with licensed guide
  • Brunelleschi's Dome climb (reserved slot)
  • Exclusive north-terrace access on select options
  • 72-hour complex pass: tower, Baptistery, museum, crypt

✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

★ 4.8 / 1,108 reviews From $101per person
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Florence Duomo dome climb and Opera del Duomo Museum guided tour Top Rated
Dome climbMuseum guided2.5 hours

Florence Duomo Dome Climb & Museum Tour

Start inside the Opera del Duomo Museum, where a guide walks you through Ghiberti's original Gates of Paradise and the story of how the dome was built, then leads the climb up to the frescoes and the panorama. Pairing the museum with the climb is what makes the 463 steps land: you understand what you are standing on. Headsets keep the guide clear in the crowds, and the 72-hour pass covers the rest of the complex afterwards. Best for first-time visitors who want context, not just a view; small groups, meets at Piazza del Duomo.

  • Guided Opera del Duomo Museum visit
  • Skip-the-line Brunelleschi's Dome climb
  • Close-up of the dome's interior frescoes
  • 72-hour cathedral complex pass & headsets

✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

★ 5.0 / 136 reviews From $69per person
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Florence Duomo skip-the-line guided tour with priority cathedral entrance Best Value
Skip the lineFull pass1h 40m

Florence Duomo Skip-the-Line Priority Tour

A licensed guide takes you straight past the queue that wraps the cathedral and gives you the piazza and interior in about ninety minutes, using headsets so you can drift a step from the group and still hear. What makes this the value pick is the ticket bundle: it also covers the dome climb, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistery, the museum and the Santa Reparata crypt, all self-guided within 72 hours. So the guided portion orients you and the pass lets you take the rest at your own pace. Best for independent travellers on a budget; meets in Piazza di San Giovanni.

  • Skip-the-line cathedral entry with licensed guide
  • Ticket to climb the dome and bell tower
  • Baptistery, museum & Santa Reparata crypt
  • Headsets throughout the guided visit

✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

★ 4.8 / 401 reviews From $33per person
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Licensed Local Guides

Every tour here is run by a licensed Florence guide — art historians and locals who know which door skips the line and why the frescoes matter.

Book With Confidence

We compare the Florence Duomo tours worth booking so you don't have to. Free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead, and no hidden booking fees.

An Experience You'll Remember

Standing inside Brunelleschi's dome, inches from the frescoes, then out over the terracotta rooftops — and leaving knowing you saw it the right way.

Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Italia.it — Italian National Tourism
Every option, compared

All Florence Duomo Tours & Tickets

From a thirty-minute skip-the-line dash to a full day pairing the Duomo with David and the Uffizi. Grouped below by what you actually want to do.

Dome Climb & Terrace Tours climb Brunelleschi's cupola, 463 steps

Climb the Dome Florence Duomo guided tour with bell tower and museum Top Rated
Dome + bell towerMuseum3 hours

Climb the Dome: Florence Duomo Complex Tour

The most complete guided option: two hours across the Baptistery, Opera del Duomo Museum and cathedral, then the reserved-slot climb to the top of the dome. Your bell-tower ticket and cathedral entry stay valid for three days, so you can spread the complex out rather than rush it. Headsets are provided for larger groups. Best for visitors who want a guide with them for the whole story before they climb; capped at 16 travellers and meeting beside the cathedral.

  • 2-hour guided Baptistery, museum & cathedral
  • Brunelleschi's Dome climb, reserved slot
  • Giotto's Bell Tower climb within 3 days
  • Cathedral & Santa Reparata crypt, self-guided

✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

★ 4.9 / 391 reviews From $101per person
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Skip the line Florence Duomo small-group tour with Brunelleschi dome climb
Small groupDome climb1h 30m

Skip-the-Line Duomo & Dome Climb

A tighter, ninety-minute small-group format: a guided walk inside the cathedral followed straight by the dome climb, with fast-track entry that saves the long wait outside. Your ticket also opens the Baptistery, bell tower and museum for the next 72 hours to explore alone. Groups are kept to fifteen, so it stays easy to hear and move. Best for travellers short on time who still want a guide for the cathedral before heading up; meets at Piazza del Duomo by the Misericordia museum.

  • Guided cathedral visit, expert local guide
  • Skip-the-line access & dome climb
  • Baptistery, bell tower & museum for 72 hours
  • Small groups of 15 or fewer

✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

★ 4.4 / 53 reviews From $91per person
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Florence premium Duomo tour with north terrace view and dome climb
Terrace optionFlexible tiers2 hours

Premium Duomo Tour: Terraces & Dome Climb

This listing sells several tiers from one page, and it matters which you choose: the lowest price is a 30-minute cathedral-only guided visit, while the terrace-and-dome experience in the title is the afternoon option at a higher price. Booked right, it takes you onto the North Terrace and up the cupola with skip-the-line access and a 72-hour pass to the Baptistery and museum. Read the option names carefully at checkout before you pay. Best for visitors set on the terraces who want to pick their exact inclusion level; meeting point changes by option.

  • Skip-the-line cathedral access
  • North Terrace + dome climb on the terrace option
  • 72-hour Baptistery & museum access, select tiers
  • Professional English-speaking guide

✓ Free cancellation · check which option you select

★ 4.4 / 389 reviews From $32per person
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Skip-the-Line & Express Entry straight past the two-hour queue

Florence Duomo complex tour with Giotto's Bell Tower climb
Bell tower climbNo dome1h 35m

Florence Duomo Complex & Bell Tower Tour

A to-the-point guided loop of the complex that finishes on Giotto's Bell Tower rather than the dome — worth knowing if the cupola is what you came for. It bundles the Giotto Pass, so cathedral, crypt, Baptistery and Opera del Duomo Museum are all covered, and the 414-step tower gives you the best view of the dome itself. A choice of start times helps you fit it around the rest of your day. Best for travellers who want the bell-tower panorama and the museum without the dome-climb queue; meets at a tour office on Via de' Martelli.

  • Guided tour of the Duomo complex
  • Giotto's Bell Tower climb ticket
  • Cathedral, crypt & Baptistery entry
  • Opera del Duomo Museum ticket

✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

★ 4.2 / 48 reviews From $74per person
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Florence Duomo express skip-the-line 30-minute guided cathedral tour Quickest
ExpressCathedral only30 min

Florence Duomo Express Skip-the-Line Tour

A thirty-minute guided walk through the cathedral interior for people whose main goal is simply to get inside without the long queue in the sun. The guide covers the Medici history and the assassination story the walls hold, then leaves you free to linger. Note the itinerary clearly: this covers the cathedral and the small Misericordia museum, and does not include the dome climb, bell tower or the Opera del Duomo Museum. Best for travellers on a very tight schedule who want the interior and the skip-the-line benefit only; meets at Piazza del Duomo.

  • Skip-the-line cathedral entry
  • 30-minute guided interior visit
  • Misericordia Museum entry
  • English-speaking expert guide

✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

★ 4.2 / 100 reviews From $32per person
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Florence Combos: David, Uffizi & Duomo pair the cathedral with the city's other icons

Best of Florence walking tour with David, Accademia and the Duomo Bestseller
David + DuomoCity walk2.5–3.5h

Best of Florence: David & Accademia with Duomo

A half-day walk that opens with skip-the-line access to Michelangelo's David in the Accademia, then takes in the Duomo with the Gates of Paradise and threads through Piazza della Signoria to the Ponte Vecchio. It is the single most-booked tour on this page, and the value is in seeing the two headline sights without queuing at either. Some departures add the dome climb as a paid option. Best for first-timers who want the city's greatest hits in one guided morning; the cathedral portion is described as wheelchair accessible with advance notice. Meets at Piazza San Marco.

  • Skip-the-line David & Accademia Gallery
  • Skip-the-line Florence Duomo entry
  • Gates of Paradise, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Signoria
  • Licensed local walking guide

✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

★ 4.7 / 1,924 reviews From $63per person
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Florence Statue of David and Duomo complex guided tour with tickets
David + DuomoBell tower option2–3h

Statue of David & Duomo Guided Tour

Pairs skip-the-line David at the Accademia with a guided Duomo complex visit, plus pre-reserved tickets for the museum, Baptistery and Santa Reparata crypt and an optional bell-tower climb. Cathedral entry is guided on afternoon departures and self-guided in the mornings, which is worth checking against your plans. One current note from the operator: the Baptistery's mosaic vault is under restoration, so expect scaffolding inside. Best for art-focused visitors who want David and the Duomo in one small group without the dome climb; meets at Piazza San Marco.

  • Skip-the-line David & Accademia Gallery
  • Guided or independent cathedral visit
  • Museum, Baptistery & crypt tickets
  • Optional Giotto's Bell Tower climb

✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

★ 4.7 / 433 reviews From $115per person
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Florence in a day tour with David, Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo
David + UffiziFull day5 hours

Florence in a Day: David, Uffizi & Duomo

The most comprehensive combo here: skip-the-line entry to both the Accademia for David and the Uffizi for the Renaissance masterpieces, joined by a guided walk through the historic centre. On this itinerary the Duomo is an exterior stop — you see and hear its story from the piazza rather than going inside — so book it for the two great galleries, not for cathedral entry. A break for lunch is built into the longer departures. Best for a first, full day in Florence when the galleries are the priority; meets by the Baptistery on Piazza di San Giovanni.

  • Skip-the-line Accademia (David)
  • Skip-the-line Uffizi Gallery
  • Guided historic-centre walking tour
  • Duomo, Ponte Vecchio & Piazza Signoria (exterior)

✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

★ 4.7 / 1,239 reviews From $156per person
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About

About the Florence Duomo

Begun in 1296 and crowned in 1436 by the first great dome of the Renaissance, the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore is really a complex of six monuments: the cathedral, Brunelleschi's dome, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistery of San Giovanni, the Opera del Duomo Museum, and the Santa Reparata crypt beneath the floor. Join a guide who can connect them — and skip the queues that swallow an afternoon — and the whole thing reads as one Renaissance story rather than six ticket lines.

History

Arnolfo di Cambio laid the first stone in 1296; the nave rose through the 14th century while the crossing waited for a dome no one knew how to build. Filippo Brunelleschi solved it, raising the cupola between 1420 and 1436 without wooden centering. The tricolour marble façade you see is younger — the medieval front was torn down in 1587 and only completed by Emilio De Fabris in 1887.

Access & Skip-the-Line

The queue for the cathedral regularly wraps the building, and dome-climb slots sell out weeks ahead. A guided tour with skip-the-line entry turns a two-hour wait in the Tuscan sun into walking straight in through a side door — and a licensed guide books the timed dome slot for you, the one thing you cannot leave to chance on the day.

The Complex & Layout

Four monuments ring Piazza del Duomo: the cathedral with its 45-metre-wide dome, the 84.7-metre bell tower, the octagonal Baptistery with the Gates of Paradise, and the museum that holds the originals. Below the nave lies Santa Reparata, the earlier cathedral and Brunelleschi's resting place. Knowing how they fit together is what a good guide gives you before the climbing starts.

Collections & Artworks

The Opera del Duomo Museum guards the treasures moved indoors for safekeeping: Ghiberti's original Gates of Paradise, Michelangelo's Bandini Pietà, Donatello's gaunt Mary Magdalene, and Brunelleschi's own wooden model of the dome. Inside the cathedral, Vasari and Zuccari's vast Last Judgment covers the interior of the cupola — the reward waiting at the top of the climb.

What you'll see

Four Monuments, One Ticket

Every pass and most guided tours cover the same core sights — here is what each one actually is, and why it earns the climb.

Brunelleschi's Dome

The largest masonry dome ever built, raised without scaffolding using a double shell and herringbone brick. 463 steps up, past the Last Judgment frescoes, to the highest point in Florence.

Giotto's Bell Tower

A 414-step Gothic campanile designed by Giotto in 1334 and finished by Andrea Pisano and Talenti. Its terraces give the best view of the dome itself — the one angle you cannot get from the cupola.

Baptistery of San Giovanni

The octagon where Dante was baptised, wearing Ghiberti's gilded Gates of Paradise — the doors whose 1401 competition is often called the start of the Renaissance. The panels outside are replicas.

Opera del Duomo Museum

The safe house for the originals: Ghiberti's real Gates of Paradise, Michelangelo's Bandini Pietà, Donatello's Magdalene, and the model Brunelleschi used to argue for his dome.

Explore the full Duomo complex →

Plan your visit

Florence Duomo Tickets, Hours & Passes

The cathedral is free to enter, but the dome, tower, Baptistery and museum are not — they run on three combination passes. The one rule that changes your whole day: the dome climb needs a timed slot, and it books out weeks ahead.

The three passes

Brunelleschi Pass (€30) — dome climb + bell tower, Baptistery, museum, crypt.

Giotto Pass (€20) — bell tower, Baptistery, museum, crypt. No dome.

Ghiberti Pass (€15) — Baptistery, museum, crypt. No climbs.

Passes are valid 72 hours; only the dome needs a fixed time slot.

Hours & entry

Cathedral: free entry, closed to visitors on Sundays and religious celebrations.

Dome climb: 463 steps, timed slot, no elevator.

Dress code: shoulders and knees covered — bring a scarf or you may be refused entry.

Getting there

Address: Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy.

On foot: the piazza sits in the pedestrian heart of the historic centre, about 10 minutes from Santa Maria Novella station.

Tip: book the earliest slot for cooler air and an empty cathedral.

View Full Visiting Guide

Gallery

The Florence Duomo in Pictures

The dome over the rooftops, the marble façade up close, and the view from the terraces most visitors never reach.

Brunelleschi's dome seen from Giotto's Bell Tower over Florence Vasari and Zuccari's Last Judgment frescoes inside the dome Giotto's Bell Tower against a blue sky Brunelleschi's dome above the cathedral's tricolour marble facade The apse and domes of Santa Maria del Fiore at sunset The Duomo's Gothic marble facade and campanile in golden light

View the full gallery →

Traveller reviews

What Visitors Say About Florence Duomo Tours

Paraphrased from verified reviews left on each tour's booking listing, across dome climbs, terrace tours and skip-the-line entries.

★★★★★

Our guide made the 463-step climb feel manageable, pacing it with rests between sections, and skipping the queue meant we reached the top before the crowds. We had a small group of eight.

Yvette W. · Dome climb tour · July 2026
★★★★★

The museum portion was the surprise highlight — our guide had a doctorate in art history, and the Gates of Paradise finally made sense. The climb afterwards wasn't too taxing.

Leon F. · Dome & museum tour · July 2026
★★★★★

Walking the terraces most tourists never reach, then standing inches from Vasari's frescoes inside the dome, was worth every step. Our guide named the landmarks across the whole city from the top.

Kara J. · Dome & terraces tour · May 2026
★★★★★

We were the first group inside and had the cathedral almost to ourselves for photos. The ticket also covered the crypt with Brunelleschi's tomb and the museum across the square.

Samantha F. · Skip-the-line tour · July 2026
★★★★★

Learning about the Medici crest set into the cathedral floor turned a list of landmarks into a story. Skipping the line at both the Accademia and the Duomo saved us a hot afternoon.

Neil & Eliza · David & Duomo combo · July 2026
★★★★★

A relaxed, well-paced way to see the complex: the guided cathedral first, then the Baptistery, museum and the 414-step bell tower climb at our own pace afterwards.

Jacqueline M. · Complex & bell tower · January 2026
★★★★★

It hit the mid-thirties the day we climbed, but the thick stone stairwell stayed cooler than the street. Our guide flagged the hardest stretch in advance so nobody was caught out.

Heather C. · Dome & museum tour · July 2026
★★★★☆

You get roughly fifteen minutes at the very top before the one-way flow moves you on, so have your camera ready — but the history the guide packed in beforehand made those minutes mean far more.

Laura R. · Dome & terraces tour · June 2026
★★★★★

Travelling with two young children, we were worried about a tour, but the guide kept them engaged and the headsets let us wander a little and still hear. The best value of our week.

Jessica S. · Skip-the-line tour · June 2026
★★★★★

We marked our fiftieth anniversary on this one and, both in our seventies, made it up to the hidden gallery and the top of the dome at a steady pace. The views were the highlight of the whole holiday.

Glenn P. · Premium terrace tour · October 2025

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Good to know

Florence Duomo Tours: Frequently Asked Questions

The questions travellers ask most before booking — passes, the climb, accessibility and what's actually included.

Which Florence Duomo pass do I need to climb the dome?
The Brunelleschi Pass (€30) is the only pass that includes the dome climb, plus the bell tower, Baptistery, museum and Santa Reparata crypt, valid 72 hours. The Giotto Pass (€20) covers the bell tower but not the dome, and the Ghiberti Pass (€15) covers the museum, Baptistery and crypt with no climbs.
Is the Florence Cathedral free to enter?
Yes, entry to the cathedral interior is free, though you may still queue at security, and it closes to visitors on Sundays and religious celebrations. The dome, bell tower, Baptistery and museum are not covered by free entry — those need a pass or a guided tour.
Do I need to book Florence Duomo tours in advance?
Yes. Dome-climb slots are timed and often sell out two to four weeks ahead in peak season. Book as early as you can between April and October; a few days ahead is usually enough in winter.
How many steps is the Florence Duomo dome climb?
It is 463 steps to the top of Brunelleschi's Dome, with no elevator. Giotto's Bell Tower is a separate 414-step climb. Both are narrow and one-way in places near the top.
What's the difference between the dome and the bell tower climb?
The dome takes you inside Brunelleschi's cupola, past Vasari's Last Judgment frescoes, to the highest point in Florence. The bell tower is a freestanding climb with the best view of the dome itself. If you only have time for one, choose the dome for the architecture.
Are Florence Duomo tours wheelchair accessible?
The cathedral ground floor and the Opera del Duomo Museum are step-free, but the dome and bell tower are stairs only, with no lift. Some tours are described by their operators as wheelchair accessible for the cathedral and museum portions — check each tour's card and contact the operator ahead.
How long do Florence Duomo tours last?
Most run between 1.5 and 3 hours. A quick skip-the-line cathedral visit can be as short as 30 minutes, while a full guided complex tour with the dome climb and museum runs around 2.5 to 3 hours.
Can I cancel a Florence Duomo tour?
Every tour listed here offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before it starts, for a full refund. Any non-refundable exceptions are noted on the individual tour's card.
How much do Florence Duomo tours cost?
Guided tours on this page start from around $32 per person for a skip-the-line cathedral visit and rise to roughly $156 for full-day combinations with the Accademia and Uffizi. Dome-climb tours sit in between, around $69 to $101.
What is included in a Florence Duomo tour?
It varies by tour. Most include skip-the-line entry and a licensed guide, and many bundle the Brunelleschi Pass covering the dome, bell tower, Baptistery, museum and crypt. Check each card — some cover only the cathedral, others add the dome climb or the terraces.
Is there a dress code for the Florence Duomo?
Yes. As an active place of worship, the cathedral requires shoulders and knees covered for all visitors. Bring a scarf or wrap; guests who don't comply can be refused entry.
What is Brunelleschi's Dome famous for?
Completed in 1436, it is the largest masonry dome ever built, and it was raised without the wooden centering that every earlier dome relied on. Its double-shell, herringbone-brick design was an engineering leap that is still studied today.
What can I see in the Opera del Duomo Museum?
The museum holds Ghiberti's original Gates of Paradise, Michelangelo's Bandini Pietà, Donatello's Mary Magdalene, and Brunelleschi's original wooden model of the dome. The doors on the Baptistery outside are replicas; the originals are here.
Can I climb the dome with young children?
The dome climb isn't recommended for very young children — it is 463 narrow steps with tight, one-way sections near the top, and some operators set a minimum age of seven. The cathedral, museum and Baptistery are all fine for families.
Where do Florence Duomo tours meet?
Most meet in or beside Piazza del Duomo — common points are by the Baptistery, the Lindt shop on the cathedral's north side, or a tour office on Via de' Martelli or Via Cavour. Your booking confirmation gives the exact spot.

See all FAQs →

Compare

Which Florence Duomo Tour Is Right for You?

Every tour on this page at a glance — sorted by how much of the complex you get to climb and see.

TourBest forIncludesPrice
Dome & Hidden TerracesRooftop views most tours skipDome climb, north terraces, 72h passFrom $101Book →
Dome Climb & MuseumFirst-timers who want contextGuided museum, dome climb, 72h passFrom $69Book →
Skip-the-Line PriorityIndependent travellers on a budgetGuided cathedral, full pass self-guidedFrom $33Book →
Climb the Dome (Complex)A guide with you the whole way2h guided, dome + bell tower, museumFrom $101Book →
Skip-the-Line & DomeShort on time, still want a guideGuided cathedral, dome climb, 72h passFrom $91Book →
Premium Terraces & DomeSet on the terraces, pick your tierTerrace + dome on the higher optionFrom $32Book →
Complex & Bell TowerBell-tower view without the dome queueGuided complex, bell tower, museumFrom $74Book →
Express Skip-the-LineVery tight schedule, interior only30-min guided cathedral, no domeFrom $32Book →
Best of Florence: David & DuomoGreatest hits in one morningDavid, Accademia, skip-line DuomoFrom $63Book →
David & Duomo Guided TourArt focus, David plus the complexDavid, complex, museum, crypt ticketsFrom $115Book →
Florence in a DayFull first day, galleries firstDavid, Uffizi, Duomo (exterior)From $156Book →
Guides

Florence Duomo Travel Guides

Written to answer the decisions a first visit turns on — which pass, which climb, and how to time it.

Read all guides →

Find it

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

Address: Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

Cathedral entry: free · closed to visitors on Sundays

Dome climb: timed slot, 463 steps, book ahead

Getting there: pedestrian historic centre, ~10 min from Santa Maria Novella station

View Full Visiting Guide

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